Cleveland, OH – Terry McMillen and his Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car, powered by TORCO Racing Fuels, will thunder into Norwalk, OH to begin race week a day early. The annual “Super Bowl” of Hooters IHRA Drag Racing kicks off Wednesday, August 24 with “Thunder In The Streets”. “We never miss “Thunder In The Streets,” explained McMillen. “It’s an outstanding event that the whole community embraces – it just wouldn’t be Norwalk without it.”
The 24th Annual Skull Gear World Nationals (August 25-28) kicks off as beautiful downtown Norwalk closes down Main Street as many professional teams, including the InstiGator, showcase their cars along this picturesque slice of Americana starting at 3PM. “This event has grown so much since it started 9 years ago,” added McMillen. “It’s really something for the families and fans of northern Ohio.”
“Thunder In The Street” includes family friendly activities, plenty of food, and Mike Albert and the Big E Band to cap off the evening. Also included in the day’s activities are a 5K run, a hot rod cruise, and plenty of Harleys.
While being involved in the pre-race events is always motivating for the InstiGator Team, McMillen never loses sight of the goal. “We’ve got a huge race here,” said McMillen. “Everyone marks the calendar for Norwalk Raceway Park. I would imagine that we’ll see competitor car counts approaching or surpassing one thousand. That’s allot of cars – but we’ve got our work cut out for us in Funny Car.”
While two-time IHRA Funny Car Champion Rob Atchison and his team continue to add to their points lead, everyone knows that the season is far from over. In a pre-race interview with IHRA.com, Atchison said, “IHRA Funny Car is a tough class loaded with talent so no lead is too large to overcome. Last year we trailed by the same amount of points that we are ahead and we fought our way back to win the championship.” McMillen commented, “On one hand that gives us encouragement, on the other hand we know that those guys aren’t letting up for a minute. Unless they’re going to start using an anchor for a wheelie bar it’s going to be up to us to race around them.”
The action in Funny Car begins Friday.
McMillen Faces Atchison In Martin
Martin, MI – Terry McMillen and his Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car, powered by TORCO Racing Fuels, stormed into the 24th Annual TORCO Racing Fuels Northern Nationals with high expectations and hopes. The Grand Rapids Press featured McMillen in their Thursday Auto Racing Edition with an article titled “McMillen becomes a drag racing animal” and then on Friday the Kalamazoo Gazette featured McMillen again in “This car has teeth”. McMillen added, “What a great opportunity that was for our sponsors across greater Michigan.”
Team InstiGator worked hard to find a tune-up that would put the hemi powered Dodge Avenger quickly down the 1/4 mile drag strip known as US 131 Motorsports Park. The team was able to secure a seventh qualifying position, setting up a first round showdown between McMillen and Rob Atchison. McMillen once again took a starting line advantage, but wasn’t able to keep the InstiGator in front of Atchison. The London, Ontario based team went on to win their sixth of eighth events. “Rob is on a roll.” McMillen said. “He’s only been beat twice this year – we’ve had the privilege of doing it once, he’s tough to catch right now. Our hats are off to them. We’ll reload, retest and see if we can find something for him in Norwalk.”
TORCO Racing Fuels provided a huge hospitality area utilizing the opportunity to entertain their existing and future client base. TORCO Race Fuels high performance product line also includes the Amalie Oil product line. “It was a great weekend. I can’t think of a better way to get everyone involved with great companies like TORCO and Amalie,” said McMillen, “trust me when I say that Evan Knoll, Owner of TORCO, knows how to throw a hospitality party”. Evan had a competition cook from San Antonio provide the feast for over 400 guests, and what a feast it was. A Tip of the Gator’s Hat for a job well done.
The Cleveland Ohio area is the next stop for McMillen and his Amalie Oil InstiGator, powered by TORCO Racing Fuels. Often referred to as the “Super Bowl” of drag racing, the 24th Annual Skull Gear World Nationals is contested at Norwalk Raceway Park August 24-27.
InstiGator To Romp In The Swamp
Grand Rapids, MI – It will be hard to find a mud puddle during this weekends TORCO Racing Fuels Northern Nationals at the beautiful US 131 Motorsports Park. But, if you’re the Gator and it’s your home track, there’s nothing quite like a swamp to make you feel at home. 
Terry McMillen and his Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car, powered by TORCO Racing Fuels, splash into Martin for a little romp in the swamp on the eight stop of the Hooters IHRA Drag Racing series. “It’s our home track, we’ve tested and raced more here than anywhere,” explained McMillen. “It’ll be a great weekend for TORCO and all of their associates, we certainly plan on putting on a show for our fans and sponsors.”
McMillen has proven he can pilot his machine the 1320 feet of drag strip at the northern Michigan track, making semi-final appearances two out of the last three seasons. “We’ve had success at this track,” McMillen added. “We’ve got to go rounds starting now to stay in the championship hunt”.
The InstiGator team found inspiration this week from the many fans and competitors that sent emails of encouragement, including one from a funny car competitor reminding the team that they are only 25 points behind last seasons pace, which ended in a career best third place finish.
The Elkhart, Indiana driver who always finds time for fans will be participating in media day, Thursday, August 18 and will be in a midweek feature article in the Grand Rapids Press. “This is what racing is all about,” said McMillen. “We’ve got the best fans, they’re always there to cheer us on and I can never say enough about our partners. Andrew and the gang at Amalie give us the best chance to compete with their entire line of oils and lubricants. While there’s bit a lot written about him lately, no one can ever say enough about Evan Knoll and all that he has done not only for this team, but all of drag racing. Mark at Flatout Gaskets has been behind us and a big reason we are competitive week in and week out. I wouldn’t run anything but Flatout Gaskets on my cars! Roy at Crane Cams has been there for us all year long and Jon at NGK Spark Plugs and Joe at MSD and Jack at Performance Graphics and all of the people that work hard at Powershield Coatings.”
The TORCO Racing Fuels Northern Nationals is contested August 12-14 at the US 131 Motorsports Park just outside of Grand Rapids in Martin, Michigan. For more information contact:
http://hoosierthunder.com
http://www.us131motorsportspark.com/
InstiGator Leaves Hungry In Fastest Funny Car Field In IHRA History
Cayuga, ONT – The 4th Annual AC Delco Canadian Nationals produced the fastest field of Funny Cars (5.930) in IHRA history, surpassing the previous record of 5.938 set during the 2003 World Finals in Rockingham. Terry McMillen and his Amalie Oil InstiGator, powered by TORCO Racing Fuels, fought among the 16
teams for a spot in the 8 car field, coming up just 0.018 seconds short.
“We’re struggling right now,” explained McMillen. “For the past three races our summer set-up has been off. We’ve been working hard, but we’ve got some more work to do. We’ll be testing more this week.”
The InstiGator team made an encouraging pass during Friday’s qualifying attempt. “Our first hit on Friday had us very optimistic,” Terry added. “We were back to our early season horsepower performance, we just couldn’t get it to stick to the track.”
As the Hooters IHRA Drag Racing series completes the first half of the season, the InstiGator team has had phenomenal performances this year providing two final round, two semi-final and one quarter-final appearance. “We’re still very hungry. There are a lot of rounds left to be run before this season is over,” said McMillen. “We can’t thank our partners enough. Without companies like Amalie Oil, TORCO race Fuels, Flatout Gaskets, NGK Spark Plugs, MSD, Performance Graphics, Powershield Coatings and Crane Cams none of this would be possible.”
The InstiGator team had an opportunity to appear on Hamilton’s popular morning show CH Morning Live, Thursday before the race. “I knew that show was popular,” commented Terry. “It was great to have all of the fans tell us that they liked our segment on the show.” Terry was also featured when Mike Perry of IHRA.com covered the pre-race event.
The next stop on the Hooters IHRA is the 24th Annual TORCO Racing Fuels Northern Nationals contested August 12-13 at the US 131 Motorsports Park in Martin, Michigan. McMillen commented, “This is our home track and one of our partners premier events. We’ll be ready.”
McMillen Tunes In Early For Canada – CHTV Morning Live
Toronto, ONT – Terry McMillen and his Amalie Oil InstiGator, powered by TORCO Racing Fuels, motor into Ontario for the 4th Annual AC Delco Canadian Nationals. If the old proverb that says ‘the early bird catches the worm’ holds
true, then McMillen will have an advantage on the competition this weekend.
Hamilton, Ontario’s, Lori De Angelis of CHTV Morning Live will be at the Toronto Motorsports Park to interview Terry for 5 segments between 6:20 – 8:50AM. “Lori will be looking for an interview,” McMillen says in jest, “but if I’m getting up that early I plan on putting her to work! We’ll put Lori in the car, we’ll even have her turn a wrench. It should be a lot of fun.”
If it’s working early or working late, the InstiGator team will leave no stone unturned as the Hooters IHRA Drag Racing series heads into the 7th stop on the season. “We’ve been working hard from sun-up to sun-down, we’ve spent 2 days testing in Martin, MI,” explains McMillen. Co-crew chief “Skinny” Lidgard added, “Our summer tune-up has been a tenth (of a second) off from where we need to be. We’ve tested and tuned to the point where we know that we’re ready!”
The InstiGator has partnered with high performance companies like Amalie Oil, TORCO Racing Fuels, Flatout Gaskets, NGK Spark Plugs, MSD, Performance Graphics, Powershield Coatings and Crane Cams.
The InstiGator team qualified well and made a semi-final appearance in last years contest. The team knows that going rounds is the key to moving up in the point standings. Co-crew chief “TV” Heflick, “We control our destiny one round at a time. Tune in early, pack a lunch and stay late we plan on being here awhile.”
TORCO Racing Fuels Changes Name to eRaceFuels in Connection with Worldwide Expansion
DECATUR, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Mention the name TORCO Racing Fuels, Inc. and any racer, sanctioning body, manufacturer or even the most casual race fan will pay attention. That’s because since 1995 TORCO Racing Fuels, Inc. has established itself as the industry leader in high quality race fuels coast to coast. Evan Knoll – President eRaceFuels
This week, Evan Knoll President of TORCO Racing Fuels, Inc. announced several new business initiatives designed to diversify and grow the already booming race fuel giant. One of those initiatives was the formation of eRaceFuels, Inc. Knoll said, “While the TORCO Race Fuels, Inc. name has served us well over the last 10 years our marketing consultants believe that a name more easily identifiable with our product and mission would serve us better, thus the formation of eRaceFuels, Inc.”
Knoll intends to leverage the robust internet market to grow eRaceFuels, Inc. into an international giant. eRaceFuels, Inc. will hit the ecommerce market using a high octane marketing program. Marketed under the eRaceFuels, Inc. umbrella will be all of the TORCO Race Fuels, Inc. existing fuels and products including, Mach Series Racing Fuels, Custom Blended Fuels and Additives, Knoll Gas Motorsports, Knoll Gas and Energy, Pro Nitro Nitromethane and Knoll’s newest brainchild SKULL GEAR a custom clothing and apparel line.
The SKULL GEAR apparel line was launched last March when Knoll sponsored NHRA/AMS Pro Modified World Champion Mike Ashley in a multi-year deal. Later on Knoll inked a deal with Ashley to introduce a Skull Gear Funny car to debut at this year’s US Nationals in Indianapolis, added a Pro Stock car driven by superstar Dave Connelly and a Top Fuel car driven by Melanie Troxel. Licensing agreements are currently underway for SKULL GEAR to be sold in stores worldwide.
On the drawing board are plans to foray into the commercial real estate market, open Mach Series gas stations with convenience stores owned and operated by eRaceFuels, Inc. and an eRaceFuels, Inc. Street and Strip oil product line.
Quarter-Final Appearance For Amalie Oil InstiGator
Milan, MI – Terry McMillen and his Amalie Oil sponsored Funny Car, powered by eRaceFuels made a quarter-final appearance in the 3rd Annual Dukes of Hazzard Motor City Nationals. With summer’s unpredictable weather, the Hoosier Thunder Motorsports team fought hard to find the right combination to get the Hemi powered entry quickly down the Motor City quarter mile.
Crew-chiefs were challenged to find a set up that would work with Mother Natures moods. Quick moving patches of clouds and rain would be followed by periods of hot sun and high humidity. “My crew did a great job,” commented McMillen. “Our times were consistent all weekend long. We just couldn’t find that tenth of a second we needed.”
McMillen piloted the InstiGator to the number eight qualifying position on his best run of the weekend (5.983 ET) which saw the car slow through the traps after losing the blower belt with a top speed of 218.94 MPH. “We looked at our incremental times after that pass,” explained co-crew chief Brent “Skinny” Lidgard. “That would have been a pass in the .80’s.”
The end of qualifying set up the showdown between McMillen and London Ontario’s two-time IHRA Funny Car Champion and current points leader, Rob Atchison. McMillen continued his season long dominance of the tree with a reaction time of 0.046 against Atchison’s 0.090. McMillen’s hole shot wouldn’t be enough to overcome Atchison’s machine. Atchison would go on to claim the title for the Motor City Nationals.
Co-crew chief Tad “TV” Heflick reflected after the match with Atchison, “We torched a head and banged the #2 cylinder pretty hard, but we were toe-to-toe with Rob through the 1/8 mile.” The Hoosier Thunder team will be testing this Saturday in Martin, MI at the US 131 Motorsports Park Bar’s Leaks Funny Car Nationals. “Not only is this a great event,” commented McMillen, “it’s a great opportunity for us to dial in our summer tune-up before the eRaceFuels Northern Nationals here at US 131 Motorsports Park.”
McMillen would like to thank the partners of the Hoosier Thunder Motorsports, InstiGator team which include Amalie Oil, eRaceFuels, Flatout Gaskets, NGK Spark Plugs, MSD, Performance Graphics, Powershield Coatings and Crane Cams.
The seventh stop on the Hooters IHRA Drag Racing series is the 4th Annual ACDelco Canadian Nationals, contested at the Toronto Motorsports Park in Cayuga, Ontario July 29-31.
Funny Car Points Race Heats Up With Summer
Milan, MI – The old song says, “Summer is here and the living is easy”. While it might be time for lemonade and back yard cookouts with friends in your neighborhood, the Hooters IHRA Funny Car points race is hotter than Daisy Duke hosting a car wash in Milan, Michigan. 
The 3rd Annual Dukes of Hazzard Motor City Nationals could be the turning point for many teams as the IHRA season reaches the half way point this July 15-17. Terry McMillen and his Amalie Oil InstiGator, powered by TORCO Racing Fuels, continues to challenge perennial Funny Car Champions Mark Thomas and Rob Atchison. Atchison and Thomas have seven championship titles between them. “It’s still anyone’s championship,” remarked McMillen. “We’re planning on a race to the end.”
While some might think that McMillen’s comments are cliché, fans won’t have to look far back into the history books to see that the Funny Car championship has gone down to the last race the past 3 seasons. This season appears to have all of the makings for a season long battle for the championship, but with an interesting twist. What’s normally a 2 team fight down the stretch has turned into a 4 team battle which includes McMillen and Jim Sickles.
“There’s a lot of fight left in this Gator,” commented team co-owner Rhonda McMillen. “While this has been a great run so far, we’re far from finished.” Team co-crew chief, Tad “TV” Heflick agrees, “We’ve got our sites on an Ironman and a championship.” Brent “Skinny” Lidgard, co-crew chief added, “Our sponsors have been great, they deserve the extra attention.”
The InstiGator team partners with high quality, high performance companies like Amalie Oil, TORCO Racing Fuels, Flatout Gaskets, NGK Spark Plugs, MSD, Performance Graphics, Powershield Coatings and Crane Cams.
McMillen has had past success in the Motor City. In the 2004 event, the InstiGator team qualified third and went on to a semi-final appearance. “It’s time for us to make our move,” McMillen explained. “Now is the time. Everything is new on this car now. We’ve got the set up we want.”
McMillen and the InstiGator Funny Car will also be participating in Milan’s first Thunder in the Streets. The event made famous at Norwalk, OH brings IHRA drivers and cars onto city streets. “Communities love this opportunity to get up close to their favorite drivers,” added Jim Walczak, Hoosier Thunder Motorsports Marketing Director. “It’s great for the event, the teams and the sponsors.” The Milan event will feature a concert with Certified Angus, a classic car cruise presented by Back Street Cruizers and Miss Washtenaw County. Kids can expect arts, crafts, clowns and balloons.
Edmonton Television Features Terry Mc Millen and Team InstiGator
Edmonton, AB – Terry Mc Millen and his Amalie Oil InstiGator Funny Car, powered by TORCO Racing Fuels, roar into the 3rd Annual Western RV Rocky Mountain Nationals this week anticipating big results from a track that has been ‘gator friendly’. Mc Millen qualified third at last years event, before bowing out in the final round to Jeff Burnett. “We’ve had some success at this track,” stated Mc Millen. “We’re expecting to improve on last years results.”
Mc Millen, a fan favorite in the Hooters IHRA Drag Racing series, will make several appearances for this event. Beginning Thursday, June 23, Mc Millen will be the guest of CITV-TV Channel 13 News during their 10PM telecast for a live in-studio interview. “Edmonton is a great town and the Canadian fans are some of the best in all of drag racing!” exclaimed Mc Millen.
On Friday, June 24, it’s time for “The Big Breakfast” on Edmonton’s A-Channel, CKEM-TV. Mark Scholz and Bridget Ryan host the morning show from 7AM – 9AM weekdays. Mc Millen will be featured in a segment from the staging lanes during the event. Terry will also be available for autographs during a track-side autograph session beginning at 2PM on Friday.
“These fans show us allot of love and support,” Terry continued. “We couldn’t do it without them and the great support of our partners.” The InstiGator team is associated with high performance partners including: Amalie Oil, TORCO Racing Fuels, Flatout Gaskets, NGK Spark Plugs, MSD, Performance Graphics, Powershield Coatings and Crane Cams.
Funny Car Points Race Heats Up At Mopar Canadian Nationals
Grand Bend, ONT- As summer sets in and the weather heats up, so does the race for points towards the 2005 IHRA Funny Car Championship. The 6th Annual Mopar Canadian Nationals proved to be as hot as the summer for the Amalie Oil InstiGator, powered by TORCO Racing Fuels.
Although Grand Bend Canada usually enjoys temperatures in the mid to low 70s, during the race teams were challenged to work with temperatures nearing 100 degrees and with a corrected altitude exceeding 4000 feet.
Terry Mc Millen, pilot of the 1999 Dodge Avenger, narrowed the points margin by defeating the defending world champion, Rob Atchison in the first round. Mc Millen’s semi-final appearance, coupled with a Mark Thomas first round loss to Jim Sickles tightens up the points race for the top four drivers leaving Mc Millen, Thomas, Sickles and Atchison within roughly 2 elimination rounds of each other. “This is one of the closest points races I can remember after 4 events”, Mc Millen recalled. “With less than 50 points between us, you can bank on the IHRA funny car class being a battle to the end.”
During elimination rounds the InstiGator car was equipped with a SPEED TV “in-car camera” to catch all of the action. The show featuring Mc Millen and his InstiGator will air on August 13th and again on August 15th at 4PM and 5PM respectively.
“Anytime that we get an opportunity to do these types of special projects – we jump at the chance,” explained Mc Millen. “The fans love seeing what goes on inside the Amalie Oil InstiGator during the race. Of course our sponsors love the attention it brings to the team. We’ve got the best partners in the business. When you talk about quality, everyone thinks of Amalie Oil, TORCO Racing Fuels, Flatout Gaskets, NGK Spark Plugs, MSD, Performance Graphics, Powershield Coatings and Crane Cams.
The next race in the IHRA Hooters Drag Racing series is the 3rd Annual Western RV Nationals presented by TORCO Racing Fuels. Mc Millen had an outstanding race at the 2004 event, finishing in the runner up position with a final round appearance. “We have always run well in Edmonton! We hope to continue that string,” exclaimed Mc Millen. “Track owners, Rob and Kim Reeves have spent many hours re-doing the track surface and facilities. We would like nothing more than to put the Amalie Oil InstiGator powered be TORCO race fuels in the winners circle. Evan Knoll President of Torco is keeping the hair clippers by his side.” When Terry wins, Knoll is providing a free hair cut, which is part of a year long standing bet.
Western RV will join the InstiGator marketing team in Edmonton again this year. “Western RV is the title sponsor for the Rocky Mountain Nationals, we’re proud to be associated with them,” stated InstiGator Marketing Director Jim Walczak. “Not only is Western RV Canada’s largest RV Dealer, they’re also number 1 in fun and they enjoy providing a way for families to make memories.” Mc Millen added, “We worked with Craig Amstead last year and we both enjoyed tremendous success. We have the time of our lives when we’re in Edmonton with the Western RV family.”
The 3rd Annual Western RV Rocky Mountain Nationals will be contested June 24-26 at Budweiser Motorsports Park in Edmonton, Alberta Canada.
For more information visit:
Western RV
Budweiser Motorsports Park